Laser & Anti-VEGFAnterior and Posterior Segment Vascular Changes Following Laser and Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

The study will investigate changes in the structure and function of blood vessels in the front and back of the eye following laser and anti-VEGF treatments for sight-threatening diabetic eye disease. Sixty four volunteers will be recruited, including age-matched control subjects and diabetic patients who require conventional or contemporary treatment for pre-existing diabetic eye disease. Volunteers will be assessed before and after treatment using state-of-the-art techniques to measure vision, the rate of blood flow and structure at the front and back of the eye and the effectiveness of blood flow delivery. Changes following treatment in these novel, non-invasive techniques will be quantified and described. We anticipate that conventional and new / developing treatments will lead to narrowing of the vessels and consequent reduction of blood flow at the back and front of the eye. There will be a strong relationship between structural changes of the eye and functional changes of blood vessels at the front and back of the eye. The results of this study will improve our understanding of the impact of the various treatments on the entire eye. The research will also ensure an improved understanding of the mechanisms of action of the various treatments and will provide insight of reasons for good or poor outcomes, based upon specific changes in structure and blood flow.